Earlier this month, Monkee's, a high-end boutique based in North Carolina, opened its second store in Kentucky at 3624 Brownsboro Road. In an email Q & A interview with owner Sarah Woodsworth, who also owns the first store in Lexington, she talks about the process of setting up shop in the River City

How did you become a franchisee of Monkee's?

Sarah Woodsworth: I opened the Lexington store in 2011, and couldn't wait to expand to Louisville.

What did you do before becoming a franchisee?

Woodsworth: Before Monkee's, I taught high school English for two years, was a stay-at-home mom for a while, and then was the director of sales development for Matilda Jane Clothing.

Why Monkee's?

Woodsworth: I knew Monkee's carried a reputable name in the fashion industry, and many shoppers know about it from vacationing. I wanted to be part of something with a strong infrastructure, and to work with women who are knowledgeable and experienced in the world of retail.

What was the process behind selecting the location of your franchise?

Woodsworth: I knew I wanted to be in St. Matthews, and after speaking with some friends and my realtor, realized the [vacant] PNC Bank was the perfect location. Though it needed extensive work, I'm thrilled this is where I ended up.

What was the process for preparing the location for opening day and beyond?

Woodsworth: Oh, the list goes on and on. I basically had to gut the entire building, tear it down to a shell, and rebuild. The vault had to be taken out, walls re-drywalled, floors laid, all casework built. It was a lot of fun to design -- I knew I wanted something edgy, yet still very feminine.

Woodsworth: Louisville truly has some of the best boutique shopping in Kentucky, but I feel that Monkee's has a different vision than any of the stores here. I'm hoping to bring some southern charm and style -- a true girly boutique shopping experience to the Derby City!